July 13th, 2011
JULY 13, 2011
DEAR FRIENDS:
After a few weeks without seeing a new movie I finally struck it rich this week with 2, AND a few good ones at home as well–
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) GUILTY HEARTS- Netflix
2) BUCK- Theater- Jacob Burns
3) HARVEST- Netflix
4) THE NAMES OF LOVE- Paris Theater in NY
5) ILLEGAL- Netflix (available Streaming or DVD)
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) BUCK- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Buck Brannaman, inspiration for “The Horse Whisperer,” is revealed as a complex figure in this documentary by Cindy Meehl. The master horseman reveals details of his troubled childhood and his dawning awareness of new ways that humans and horses might work with one another. As Buck learns more about horses, he finds that the ways we communicate with our animal companions offer lessons on how we relate to fellow human beings.” At Sundance 2011.7/8/11- An excellent documentary where we see the man in action and we learn about life events that made him what he is. Definitely recommended. TRDB.
2) THE NAMES OF LOVE- 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Young extrovert Baya Benmahmoud lives by this classic motto: “Make love, not war.” In order to convert them to her cause, she sleeps with her political enemies – which means a lot of men, because every conservative is her enemy.” A quirky French movie with a good review in the NY Tims on 6/24/11. TRDB.
Good audience reaction so far but average professional reviews. TRDB.
7/11/11– I saw this in NY today and after a fairly slow first half hour the movie grew on me and my friend Marty and we both liked it. Quirky it is and I loved the main character. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) GUILTY HEARTS- 2006. I totally disagree with the synopsis by Netflix and would instead substitute the following. “A collection of vignettes, each sad beyond sad, with some resolution of guilt involved in only a few of them.” Generally poor reviews but it did sound interesting. TRDB.7/8/11- Despite negative reviews and troubling vignettes this collection was one of the more creative that I’ve seen in a while making it worth a visit even if only a short one. TRDB. Netflix.
2) LEBANON, PA- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Urbane Philadelphia ad man Will (Josh Hopkins) heads to small-town Lebanon for his father’s funeral, and the road leads not only to closure but to a revelation when the 35-year-old meets his precocious teenage cousin, CJ (Rachel Kitson), and her winsome teacher, Vicki (Samantha Mathis). As his friendship with CJ deepens and his warmth for the married Vicki grows, Will comes to realize that life can’t always be summed up in a catchphrase.” Excellent reviews. TRDB.
7/8/11- Good acting and a fairly interesting story make this one OK but not great. It feels a bit like an extended TV series. TRDB. Netflix.
3) HARVEST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When college student Josh (Jack Carpenter) returns to his Connecticut home for a weekend visit, his mother, Anna (Victoria Clark), convinces him to stay for the summer to spend time with his cancer-stricken grandfather, Silvio (Robert Loggia). As the season wears on, Anna’s brothers Benny (Arye Gross) and Carmine (Peter Friedman) also come home, renewing old family conflicts. Marc Meyers directs this touching drama.” Good review in NY Times on 5/6/11. TRDB.
7/9/11- A good drama that I enjoyed despite being drawn out about 20min. too long. TRDB. Netflix.
4) ILLEGAL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Olivier Masset-Depasse directs this drama that follows the story of Tania (Anne Coesens) and her teenage son, Ivan (Alexandre Gontcharov), Russian immigrants who are in Belgium illegally. Tania lives in fear of being found out — and one day, her worst nightmare becomes a reality. During a routine police check, Tania is apprehended — but she refuses to accept the fact that she’ll be deported and separated from her son.” Reviews not so good so far but it did sound interesting. TRDB.
7/12/11- A very depressing look at the plight of illegal immigrants, this time in Belgium, but could be anywhere. Well acted, this film received very good professional reviews but mediocre audience reaction, probably because it was so down-beat. I enjoyed the film and would recommend it but not if you’re in a bad mood. TRDB. Netflix. Also available Streaming.
5) UNCLE BOONME WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Under the care of his dedicated sister-in-law (Jenjira Pongpas), terminally ill Uncle Boonmee (Thanapat Saisaymar) spends his final days reminiscing about his past lives with the recently arrived ghost of his dead wife (Natthakarn Aphaiwonk) and his long-missing son (Geerasak Kulhong). Directed by celebrated Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, this free-floating fantasy film took home the Palme d’Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Three reviews, all great. TRDB.
7/12/11- Well, maybe it’s me but this well reviewed movie failed to movie me except to think about turning it off, probably because of my expectations. Beautiful landscapes but the story was so esoteric and mysterious that I often failed to see his point and at some level I felt that this was another example of “the emperor’s new clothes.” TRDB.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 19-
1) PEEP WORLD- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When four siblings gather to celebrate their father’s 70th birthday, the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan because one of them has penned a novel populated by characters who strongly resemble his nearest and dearest. How will this dysfunctional family keep it together after everyone has seemingly been hung out to dry? Barry W. Blaustein’s ensemble-cast comedy stars Rainn Wilson, Ron Rifkin, Michael C. Hall and Sarah Silverman.” OK reviews at best. TRDB.
2) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.” Fair to poor professional reviews and I probably won’t sign up for this one. TRDB.
3) CRACKS- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jordan Scott — daughter of helmer Ridley Scott — makes her directing debut with this thriller set at a British all-girls boarding school between World War I and II and starring Eva Green as a popular teacher and coach of the swim team. When a new girl arrives at the cliquish and hormonally charged institution, jealousies erupt, obsessions arise and, eventually, a student disappears in this film that also stars Juno Temple and María Valverde.” Mainly poor reviews so far. OK review in NY Times on 3/18/11.
4) CEDAR RAPIDS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Terrified of leaving his tiny town for the first time, sheltered insurance salesman Tim (Ed Helms) nervously sets out for the bright lights of bustling Cedar Rapids, where he attends a chaotic insurance convention and learns how to survive in the real world. Miguel Arteta directs this delightful fish-out-of-water comedy that also features Sigourney Weaver, Rob Corddry, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche.” Excellent reviews.6/8/11- I saw this on a plane while flying to the UK. Stupid and I turned it off even though there was nothing else to see. TRDB.
5) DESERT FLOWER- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sherry Horman directs this drama based on the real-life story of Waris Dirie (Liya Kebede), a poor girl who flees an arranged marriage in Somalia, winds up in London and becomes one of the world’s most recognizable supermodels. As her star rises, Dirie speaks out against the practice of female genital mutilation, a trauma she experienced as a girl. Timothy Spall co-stars as the photographer who “discovered” Dirie working in a fast food joint.” Winner at Palm Springs Film Festival, 2011. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11.
6) POTICHE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director François Ozon spins a deft social comedy of the French bourgeoisie starring some of that country’s most celebrated actors, including Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and Fabrice Luchini. After Suzanne Pujol’s (Deneuve) husband has a heart attack, she must take charge of the umbrella factory he manages. The resulting clashes between the genteel Suzanne and the Marxist union boss (Depardieu) generate plenty of riotous class conflict.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival this movie has received very good professional reviews and average audience reviews. TRDB.
4/11- A delightful French farce and I recommend it. DeNeuve is magnifique. TRDB.
7) HEY BOO: HARPER LEE AND TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Harper Lee‘s novel To Kill a Mockingbird and its Oscar-winning film adaptation both had a deep influence on American culture and racial perspectives. This pensive documentary studies the author’s life and the controversy her work inspired.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
8)SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tormented by his past and seeking redemption, Walter (Peter Stormare), the police chief of a Canadian Mennonite community, tries to solve a startling murder for which Steve (Stephen Eric McIntyre), the creepy boyfriend of Walter’s bitter ex-lover (Jill Hennessy), is the chief suspect. Although he has a new, supportive girlfriend (Martha Plimpton), Walter is overwhelmed by the case and his stern family’s disapproval in this intriguing thriller.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
Good review in NY Times on 7/1/11. TRDB.
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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-
1) LIFE, ABOVE ALL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a tiny village near Johannesburg, 12-year-old Chanda (Khomotso Manyaka) is left to care for two younger siblings when her infant sister dies and her mother becomes gravely ill. But this isn’t the only challenge she faces; the town has turned against her. Rumors that her family carries a deadly disease have made Chanda a pariah. This indictment of small-town gossip was an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Great professional reviews but only average viewer responses. TRDB.
2) THE NAMES OF LOVE- 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Young extrovert Baya Benmahmoud lives by this classic motto: “Make love, not war.” In order to convert them to her cause, she sleeps with her political enemies – which means a lot of men, because every conservative is her enemy.” Good audience reaction so far but average professional reviews. TRDB.
3) SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Noted director Wayne Wang helms this adaptation of Lisa See’s best-selling novel about two young girls in 19th-century China who are pledged as lifelong companions through an ancient ritual, although their friendship is sorely tested as they mature. Paralleling the story of Snow Flower and Lily, who communicate by writing on the folds of a white fan, are the modern-day tribulations of Sophia and Nina, who struggle to maintain their relationship.” No reviews yet. TRDB.
4) THE UNDEFEATED- 2010. A new documentary about Sarah Palin. The worst reviews I’ve ever seen for a movie, drama or documentary. TRDB.
5) TABLOID- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Errol Morris profiles another intriguingly dysfunctional personality in this complex documentary about Joyce McKinney, a former beauty queen whose lovely exterior hides a genius IQ — and a criminal disposition. Joyce, a one-time Miss Wyoming, kidnapped her Mormon boyfriend and raped him repeatedly, which was only the beginning of her often-illegal and always eccentric behavior as she pursued her romantic ideals.” So far, good professional reviews but audiences do not agree. TRDB.
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FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-
1) BRIDE FLIGHT- 2011- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A forbidden love, an impossible choice, a secret pact. Eager to escape the damp and suffocating atmosphere of post-war Holland, Dutch beauties Marjorie, Ada and Esther meet each other on the immigration flight to New Zealand, en route to join their future husbands, who are already settled there.” Only fair reviews so far but the idea sounded interesting. Not to be confused with the 2008 movie with the same title. TRDB.
2) THE DOUBLE HOUR- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) OF GODS AND MEN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Awarded Grand Prix honors at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this compelling historical drama relates the ordeal of seven French Trappist monks in the mountains of Algeria who are taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists. Before the monks’ abduction, they have ample reason to believe they may be in danger, but their assumption that there can and must be common ground between Islam and Christianity leads them to remain at the monastery.” Great reviews. Opens in NY on 2/25/11.3/11- Very well done and well acted but a bit too long and definitely not for a general audience. TRDB.
2) THE LEDGE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This unusual, character-driven thriller follows young hotel manager Gavin (Charlie Hunnam), who steps out onto a high ledge to commit suicide. World-weary police officer Hollis (Terrence Howard) is assigned to talk him down but is tormented by traumatic issues of his own. The men find themselves debating atheism, faith and the meaning of life, and soon are embroiled in a battle of wills that has each man questioning his commitment to his chosen path.” Only a fair review at best in today’s NY Times (7/8/11). TRDB.
3) CONAN O’BRIEN CAN’T STOP- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following his unplanned and highly publicized departure from NBC, exiled talk show host Conan O’Brien decides to take his show on the road. This documentary captures that uproarious tour as well as O’Brien‘s dramatic break with his ex-employers.” Mostly good reviews. TRDB.
4) SOURCE CODE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jake Gyllenhaal portrays a soldier recruited for a time-bending government investigation that places him in another man’s mind and body, reliving the same traumatic event repeatedly in an effort to identify the perpetrators of a terrorist bombing. Vera Farmiga plays a communications specialist who provides the vital link to the soldier’s primary reality as he searches for critical clues within a recurring nightmare.” Very good early reviews and a good one in the NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) 3 Backyards- Strange and tense movie but I liked it
2) 127 HOURS- Very good reviews– I did not like it at all
3) BARNEY’S VERSION- I liked this very much. Back On-Demand
4) BLACK SWAN- Very good
5) BLUE VALENTINE- I thought this was a very good movie with lots of raw emotion. Not for everyone
6) CARANCHO- I enjoyed the movie
7) COUNTRY STRONG- I liked it, especially the music
8)CONVICTION- I love Hilary Swank and I liked the movie
9) DAYDREAM NATION- Fair at best
10) EVEN THE RAIN- Great movie
11) FAIR GAME- I liked it very much
12) LEBANON, PA- I enjoyed this one
13) MAD BASTARDS- I did not like this one but it received good reviews
14) MAO’S LAST DANCER- Very good movie–a tearjerker as well
15) MAX MANUS- This one’s back On-Demand after a while. I liked it
16) MOOZ-LUM- Good reviews
17) POTICHE- A good French sex farce and I liked it
18) PUZZLE- Good reviews and I want to see this one- it’s been compared to “Queen to Play”
19) SOMEWHERE- I enjoyed the movie- it’s slow so beware
20) THAT’S WHAT I AM- I liked the movie
21) THE FIGHTER- Great movie
22) THE KING’S SPEECH- I liked it with a few complaints
23) THE PRINCESS OF MONTPENSIER- OK reviews. Playing in NY now.
24) THE TRIP- I saw this last week and enjoyed it
25) UNDERTOW- I saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival and liked it
26) WAITING FOR SUPERMAN- Good but not great as some have said
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)
NEW-
1) TERRI- Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working with screenwriter Patrick Dewitt, filmmaker Azazel Jacobs crafts a poignant coming-of-age tale about Terri (Jacob Wysocki), an overweight orphan who, while struggling to find acceptance with his peers, forms an unlikely friendship with his vice principal (John C. Reilly). Turns out that both know all too well what it’s really like to be alone, which makes them ideal companions for each other.”6/26/11- An article about this movie (not a review) in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
7/12/11- Very good professional reviews and OK audience ones. TRDB.
2) PAGE ONE: A YEAR INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES- 2011. Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarian Andrew Rossi goes inside the New York Times to examine how the venerable paper and its reporters are responding to the massive changes in how news is gathered, analyzed and dispersed. Is there any future for newsprint? The creative process of journalism is also dissected, with journalists David Carr, Brian Stelter and many others providing insight into their writing processes and where they think the news business is headed.” At Sundance 2011. Fairly good audience reactions. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) BUCK- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Buck Brannaman, inspiration for “The Horse Whisperer,” is revealed as a complex figure in this documentary by Cindy Meehl. The master horseman reveals details of his troubled childhood and his dawning awareness of new ways that humans and horses might work with one another. As Buck learns more about horses, he finds that the ways we communicate with our animal companions offer lessons on how we relate to fellow human beings.” At Sundance 2011.7/8/11- An excellent documentary where we see the man in action and we learn about life events that made him what he is. Definitely recommended. TRDB.
2) BEGINNERS- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).” Good early reviews. TRDB. Mixed review in NY Times on 6/3/22 and friends of mine hated it. TRDB.
3) LARRY CROWNE- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being laid off from his longtime job at a soulless retail giant, average middle-aged guy Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) decides it’s time to change up his life, so he heads back to college. There, he finds a new perspective — and a new romance with a professor (Julia Roberts). Hanks directs this comedy-drama from a script co-written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos. Bryan Cranston, Pam Grier, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer and Vardalos co-star.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
7/1/11- Weak review in NY Times today. TRDB.
Several of my friends have seen this and either didn’t like it or forgot what it was about– you be the judge. TRDB.
4) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.6/3/11- A good story, good acting and of course great Paris. Not one of Woody’s best but it was good and I enjoyed it. TRDB.
5) TREE OF LIFE- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.” Good audience reviews so far but no professional ones as yet. TRDB. The movie won best picture at Cannes 2011.
6/6/11- While grand in scale I felt that I was watching a series of coming attractions, each lasting 1 or 2 minutes. What a waste of time. My friend Sue said it well– “Judging by the award of Best Picture at Cannes I feel like I am watching “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” I agree. TRDB.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
Entry Filed under: All Reviews,Old Newsletters
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